The Virginia Department of Transportation has an idea on how to save some money but they need some volunteers on four wheels.Liz Hansen showed us how the grass in her west Mclean neighborhood has grown waist high.
"It used to be a great place where you'd have Fourth of July picnics... tick haven and everything else," said Hansen.
VDOT says $20 million in budget cuts has meant fewer summer mowings and not mowing as far off the street. While it will still make sure motorists can see safely.
VDOT's Jennifer McCord said, "That grass still can be taller than some citizens like to see, especially in their neighborhoods, so now there's a process in place where motorists and citizens can apply to mow those areas."
Volunteers can sign up to mow a specific stretch, similar to the Adopt-A-Highway Program. VDOT will issue safety vests and signs, but that's it. Some say that lack of extra help from VDOT is a problem.
Jonathan Rokita said, "I think it'll be hard for them to find volunteers to bring their own equipment, their own gas, their own time. They've got their own lawns to mow."
"First, they close all the rest stops, then they reopen them and now they're wanting people to mow? I hope they have good insurance," said Barbara Gribble.
Others say, everything's getting cut these days, so why not the grass, too?
Rebecca O'Neill said, "There's nothing wrong with asking for volunteers. They're not being forced to do it."
"If people have the time and the means to, why not?" asked Jean-Jacques DeMontebello.
VDOT says they won't ask for volunteers to mow along major roads and that safety comes first. To get contact someone in your community about mowing the grass for VDOT, call 703-383-VDOT.
VDOT's Jennifer McCord said, "That grass still can be taller than some citizens like to see, especially in their neighborhoods, so now there's a process in place where motorists and citizens can apply to mow those areas."
Volunteers can sign up to mow a specific stretch, similar to the Adopt-A-Highway Program. VDOT will issue safety vests and signs, but that's it. Some say that lack of extra help from VDOT is a problem.
Jonathan Rokita said, "I think it'll be hard for them to find volunteers to bring their own equipment, their own gas, their own time. They've got their own lawns to mow."
"First, they close all the rest stops, then they reopen them and now they're wanting people to mow? I hope they have good insurance," said Barbara Gribble.
Others say, everything's getting cut these days, so why not the grass, too?
Rebecca O'Neill said, "There's nothing wrong with asking for volunteers. They're not being forced to do it."
"If people have the time and the means to, why not?" asked Jean-Jacques DeMontebello.
VDOT says they won't ask for volunteers to mow along major roads and that safety comes first. To get contact someone in your community about mowing the grass for VDOT, call 703-383-VDOT.
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